5 famous bridges (aqueducts) in France | Getaway Guru > 5 famous bridges (aqueducts) in France Search 5 famous bridges (aqueducts) in France Make sure you add these world famous monuments to the itinerary for your next trip to France. Admire their construction, decoration and, for some, their duration. Pont Alexandre III (Paris) Known as one of Paris’s prettiest, this bridge is adorned with exuberant Art Noveau decoration of lamps, cherubs, nymphs and winged horses at either end. Built between 1896 and 1900 in time for the Universal Exhibition it was used to carry visitors over the Seine to the Grand and Petit Palais and was named after Tsar Alexander III who laid the foundation stone. To get the best view of the bridge and its elaborate decorations, catch the Batobus along the Seine and have your camera ready when the boat passes under the bridge. Pont Neuf (Paris) And moving on from Paris’s prettiest bridge, we come to Paris’s oldest bridge. Despite the name, New Bridge, Pont Neuf is actually the oldest in Paris having been completed in 1607.

Decorated with striking carved heads, the bridge has 12 arches and a span of 275 metres and was the first stone bridge built without houses. Pont Du Gard (nr Nimes, Bas-Languedoc) This amazing construction is one of the most visited monuments in France (yes, even ahead of the Eiffel Tower!). Exceptionally well preserved, the three-tiered roman aqueduct, a Unesco World Heritage site, was built about 19 B.C. The scale of the Pont du Gard is truly awe-inspiring with its 35 arches, 275 metre long upper tier and a water course that could carry up to 20,000 cubic metres of water a day. Pont D’Avignon (Avignon, The Vaucluse) The fabled Pont St Bénezet, linking Avignon with the settlement across the Rhone was immortalised in the nursery rhyme Sur Le Pont d’Avignon and is thus also known as Pont d’Avignon.

Built between 1171 and 1185, its original length was some 900 m (2950 ft), but it suffered frequent collapses during floods and had to be reconstructed several times. Much of the bridge was washed away by a catastrophic flood in 1668 and it was subsequently abandoned. Its surviving arches have successively collapsed or been demolished, with only four of the initial 22 arches remaining intact today. Pont De Millau (Millau, Haut-Languedoc) The most modern construction of our list, this toll bridge, hanging suspended across the wide Tarn Valley, will take your breath away. Finished in 2004, the Millau viaduct is a feat of engineering, rising 343 metres above the valley bottom. It supports a 4 lane motor way that carries more than 4.5 million cars a year. Lonely Planet describes it as an icon of the 21st century! What amazing bridges have you seen in your travels through France?

Related Articles The 35 Bridges of Paris in an Evening » Bridge 1 - Pont National Completed in 1853 as a railway bridge and named Pont Napolean III (the famous Napolean's nephew) until 1870. The peripherique bridge, and some of Paris' nearest industry, loom in the background. Bridge 2 - Pont de Tolbiac This span was built in 1882 in a push to urbanize eastern Paris and, appropriately, it's currently flanked by a cement company. It was hit by a downed British plane during World War II. Bridge 3 - Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir Erected in 2006, this passenger/cyclist only bridge was the 37th built in Paris. Named after the 20th century author who significantly influenced "second-wave feminism" through her 1949 book The Second Sex. Bridge 4 - Pont de Bercy A suspension bridge was built on this location in 1832 to replace a congested ferry service. This toll bridge was replaced in 1864 by a stone structure.

It wouldn't remain untouched for long: a second bridge was stacked on top for the Line 10 metro in 1904, and the width was doubled in 1989 to accommodate increased road traffic. I was especially drawn to the bold graffiti on the abandoned building behind it. Bridge 5 - Pont Charles De Gaulle Pont Charles de Gaulle was built in 1996 to relieve congestion on Pont d'Austerlitz to the north, the busiest bridge in Paris. It also created a direct connection between Gare d'Austerlitz and Gare de Lyon (pictured below), two popular train stations in southeastern Paris. Bridge 6 - Viaduc d'Austerlitz The Viaduc d'Austerlitz is used solely for the Line 5 metro. When it was completed in 1904, the 460ft bridge was the widest single span in Paris. It is currently second only to the 1996 Pont Charles-de-Gaulle immediately to the south. Bridge 7 - Pont d'Austerlitz First constructed in 1805, this stone mason bridge was widened in 1854, and again in 1885.

It was named after the Battle of Austerlitz of 1805 when, under one of his greatest victories, Napoleon defeated the imperial armies of both Russia and Austria in present day Czech Republic Bridge 8 - Pont de Sully Composed of two spans that cross the tip of Ile Saint Louis, the first Pont de Sully was built as a pedestrian bridge in 1838. Construction costs were regained through tolls until 1872, when it succumbed to corrosion and collapsed. The current bridge was built in 1876. Bridge 9 - Pont de la Tournelle Currently graced by a structure built in 1928, the site has hosted a bridge since the middle ages; unfortunately the original wood structure was destroyed in the flood of 1651 and its stone replacement was demolished in 1918. Under Pont de la Tournelle with Notre Dame in the background, downriver. Bridge 10 - Pont Marie Pont Marie was completed in 1635, after twenty years of construction, making it one of Paris' oldest bridges. Fifty homes were erected on the bridge shortly after opening, despite appeals from the bridges designer (Christopher Marie).

They were washed away during the flood of 1658. Each of the bridges five arches are unique. Bridge 11 - Pont Louis-Philippe Its present form was built in 1860, but the site had hosted two bridges before it, the first of which was a nameless suspension bridge that was replaced in 1833. Bridge 12 - Pont Saint-Louis This current metal span dates to 1970, but the location—which connects Notre Dame with Ile Saint-Louis—has hosted seven iterations before it. Bridge 13 - Pont de l'Archevêché This bridge, the narrowest in Paris that allows cars, was built in 1828. Once Pont des Arts was cleared of its famous "love padlocks" in 2010, intrepid lovers fixed their heartfelt hardware on Pont de l'Archevêché, just a "locks throw" from Notre Dame. Bridge 14 - Pont au Double "Double" stands for the "double denier" coin pedestrians were charged to cross the first bridge, dating to 1634.

Following a second bridge in 1847, the third and current version—made of cast iron—was built in 1883. Bridge 15 - Pont d'Arcole In 1854, this bridge was the first wrought-iron bridge to span the Seine (differentiated from the familiar cast iron by containing more fibrous content and less carbon). The Eiffel Tower was made from wrought iron thirty five years later. The bridge sagged suddenly in 1888 by 20cm; it was finally corrected in 1995. Hôtel de Ville can be seen in the background. Bridge 16 - "Petit Pont" Small, unassuming ... and ephemeral, the Petit Pont has existed in its current form since 1853 but at least twenty-four predecessors have been washed away since the 9th century. Bridge 17 - Pont Notre-Dame While not the oldest bridge, the location hosted the first bridge in Paris—le Grande Pont which was destroyed during the Norman invasion of 886.

Its current (metal) form was built in 1919 to replace the tight stone arches of its predecessor, nicknamed "Devil's Bridge" by the boats attempting to pass underneath. Bridge 18 - Pont Saint-Michel The late 14th century saw the first bridge at this location. Common during the Medieval Period, houses lined both sides of the bridge, which may have contributed to its collapse during an especially extreme winter in 1408. The current bridge was built in 1857 and played host to many of the killings in the Paris Massacre of 1961, where numerous Algerians were bound and thrown in to the Seine by the police. Bridge 19 - Pont au Change Built in 1860, the Pont au Change was named after the money changers and goldsmiths that lined its predecessors during the 12th century. Bridge 20 - Pont Neuf Inaugurated in 1607, le Pont Neuf—"new bridge"—is the oldest in Paris, an irony not lost on most guidebooks. Pont Neuf was the center of the city and the top tourist destination before the construction of the Eiffel Tower.

Jugglers, musicians, and prostitutes vied for the attention of the public, much to the delight of numerous pickpockets. Bridge 21 - Passerelle des Arts This site hosted the first metal bridge in Paris, completed in 1804 under Napoleon I. In the 1970's, however, the bridge was decommissioned due to damage sustained from the heavy hand of boat traffic as well as bombers during both World War's. The replacement bridge—a near identical copy to the original—was built in 1984. As a symbol of timeless love, tourists affix engraved padlocks and throw the key in to the river below; all locks were removed in 2010 but the tradition continues. Institut de France can be seen in the background where the Académie francaise—the official authority on the French language—is located; the Louvre is located immediately behind the photographer. Bridge 22 - Pont du Carrousel This present span was built in 1939 slightly downriver from its original location (circa 1831) to better line-up with Place du Carrousel, where the famous glass pyramid of the Louvre is located.

Bridge 23 - Pont Royal Pont Royal is named as such because it was commissioned by Louis XIV in 1689, making it the third oldest bridge in Paris. It replaced a burned-down wooden toll bridge, which replaced a congested ferry service. Bridge 24 - Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor This passenger bridge—one of the newest in Paris—was constructed in 1999, though two different bridges have occupied this location since 1861. It is named after the first Senegalese president (1960-1980) who was also a poet and the first African member of the prestigious l'Académie française. Bridge 25 - Pont de la Concorde The bridge design was approved in 1787 and construction continued for several years, even through the social and political turmoil of 1789. In fact, stones used during construction were taken from the demolished Bastille prison, a symbol of French imperialism that was stormed by a crowd on July 14, 1789 to mark the beginning of the French Revolution.

The name of this bridge followed the course of history: Louis XVI, Revolution, Concorde, Louis XVI for a second time, and, finally, Concorde again. It was widened to handle increased traffic in 1932. The Assemblée Nationale on its southern side. Second image below is taken underneath the bridge, aiming through the arches across the Seine. Bridge 26 - Pont Alexandre III Inarguably the most ornate bridge in Paris, Pont Alexandre III was designed by Gustav Eiffel and completed in 1900. It connects the Grande Palais with Napoleon's tomb at Invalides and was constructed as to not obstruct views of either. Bridge 27 - Pont des Invalides A single span was originally planned in 1821 where Pont Alexandre III is currently located, but the suspended design required two large towers that obscured the view of Invalides. It was therefore moved downriver but the crumbling structure was demolished in preparation for the 1855 World Fair. The replacement bridge suffered some damage during the late 19th century but has required little maintenance since. The artwork signifies military victory on land (upriver) and at sea (downriver).

Bridge 28 - Pont de l'Alma Completed in 1856, Pont de l'Alma (commemorating the first victory of the Crimean War a couple years prior) became more than just a bridge to Parisians. A famous statue (of a member of the French infantry) on the bridge became a gauge for water levels: when water reached his feet, the riverside walkway should be closed, whereas the river is deemed unnavigable when the water reaches his thighs. Amazingly, water reached his shoulders during the Great Flood of 1910, which caused over a billion dollars in damage. This statue was retained when the bridge was rebuilt from scratch in 1974. Bridge 29 - Passerelle Debilly A passenger bridge that was moved to its current position after it was built for the 1900 World's Fair. It is named after Jean Louis Debilly, an army general and recipient of the Commanders Cross of the Legion of Honor who died in battle in 1806. It is in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

Bridge 30 - Pont d'Iéna The Eiffel Tower looms over Pont d'Iéna, but the bridge predates it by eighty years. Napoleon ordered its construction in 1807 and, unusual for the time, construction was funded entirely by the State. Napoleon's First Republic fell in 1815, a year after the bridge was completed. Fortunately, the bridge was spared from the wrath of Prussian General Blücher who wanted to blow it up; the famous battle after which the bridge was named was where 28,000 Prussians lost their lives—10 times the French casualties. The bridge was widened in 1937. Bridge 31 - Pont de Bir-Hakeim Made of steel, Pont de Bir-Hakeim was completed in 1905 to replace a structure built just twenty five years prior. It consists of two levels: one for cars and pedestrians, and another for the Line 6 metro. It was renamed in 1948 to commemorate the 1942 French victory over German forces in the Libyan desert.

Bridge 32 - Pont Rouelle Built for the C line of the RER train, Pont Rouelle lays a nice sweeping arc across the Seine. I accessed the bridge by walking down Allée des Cygnes, a thin sliver of an island that extends under three different bridges, with Pont Rouelle in the middle. It was built in 1900, decommissioned in 1937, but then opened again (to trains) in 1988. Bridge 33 - Pont de Grenelle The current metal span was completed in 1968 but a couple other bridges have occupied this space since 1821. Pont de Grenelle is most famous for hosting a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty, built in 1889 and the second of three found in Paris. Bridge 34 - Pont Mirabeau When completed in 1897—after four years of construction—Pont Mirabeau was the widest and tallest bridge in Paris. The two piles represent boats: one going upstream, the other downstream. Each boat contains a statue in both the bow and stern. The first image below captures "Navigation" (foreground) and "Abundance" (background).

The second image shows "The City of Paris" on the Right Bank side of the bridge, downriver. Bridge 35 -Pont du Garigliano Named after a French victory in Italy in 1944, Pont du Garigliano was completed in 1966 and is Paris' tallest bridge. By the time I took this picture, it was 10:45pm. Several smashed out car windows were telling me it was time to go home. It'd taken me nearly six hours to walk nine miles along the Seine. On my memory card lay 557 images of 35 bridges. Resources: Bridges of Paris A View On Cities > Paris > Paris Attractions > Bridges of Paris Loading... Bridges of Paris A walk along the banks of the Seine river is one of the most pleasant ways to discover Paris. The many bridges you'll pass not only look elegant or romantic, they often have a long and interesting history. Below is a list of some of the bridges that cross the Seine river in central Paris. You can move the mouse over the map on the right to see where they are located.

Passerelle des Arts (aka Pont des Arts) The Passerelle des Arts (bridge of the arts) was built between 1981 and 1984 after the original structure built between 1802 and 1804 - Paris's first iron brige - collapsed in 1977. The new pedestrian bridge is built according to the early 19th century plans except that there are now seven arches instead of the original nine. Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor This modern pedestrian bridge, built between 1997 and 1999 was known as the Pont Solferino until october 2006. The bridge connects the Tuileries with the Musée d'Orsay and is unique in the sense that the bridge can be accessed both from the Tuileries as well as from the quay thanks to a two-level construction. Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir Another recently completed pedestrian bridge, the Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir leads from the Bibliotheque Nationale towards the Bercy Park.

The 304m long and 12m wide lenticular truss bridge opened in 2006. It is named after Simone de Beauvoir, a famous French author and philosopher, considered France's first influential feminist. Petit Pont The Petit Pont or 'little bridge' connects the Île de la Cité with the left bank. Already in Roman times there was a bridge here as well as on the other side of the island (the Grand Pont, now Pont Notre Dame) leading to the right bank. The current bridge was built in 1853. Pont Alexandre III The most sumptuous bridge of Paris opened just in time for the Universal Exposition of 1900. It is named after Tsar Alexander III of Russia. The bridge is decorated with lampposts and sculptures of cherubs and nymphs. Tall pillars on either side of the bridge are topped with large gilded statues. Read More... Pont au Change The first bridge at this site was presumably built in the 9th century. Today's bridge was built in 1860 as a masonry arch bridge and connects the Châtelet Square with the Conciergerie at the Île de la Cité .

Its name is derived from the goldsmiths and jewellers that had their shops here between the 14th and 17th century. Pont au Double This short bridge is one that many cross but hardly notice. The bridge connects the left bank with the Île de la Cité and leads directly to the Place du Parvis Notre Dame, right in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral . The elegant bridge, the fourth at this site, was built in 1883. Pont Charles de Gaulle The Charles de Gaulle Bridge was built between 1993 and 1996 after a sleek design by the architects Louis Arretche and Roman Karasinski. The futuristic looking bridge consists of a more than two hundred meter long metallic deck that rests on two concrete pillars. Pont d'Arcole The first permanent bridge connecting the city hall of Paris (Hôtel de Ville) and the Île de la Cité was built in 1828. This small pedestrian bridge with a central pillar was replaced by a wider and stronger bridge in 1854. The for its time advanced bridge with no central pillar still stands today.

Pont d'Austerlitz Named after the Battle of Austerlitz, where Napoleon defeated Austrian and Russian troops in 1805. A first iron bridge was built here in 1807. Due to structural deficiencies, it was replaced in 1854 as a masonry arch bridge. The bridge was enlarged in 1885 to accommodate the increasing traffic. Pont d'Iéna This bridge wich leads to the Eiffel Tower coming from Trocadéro, was built between 1808 and 1814. It was named after the German city of Jena (Iéna in French) where Napoléon had defeated the Prussian army in 1806. The statues were added in 1853 and in 1937 the bridge was widened to 35m (115ft). Pont de Bercy The Pont de Bercy was completed in 1864 and replaced an earlier bridge built in 1832. The bridge was enlarged in 1992 making it 40 meters wide instead of the original 20 meters.

A viaduct on top of the 175m long road bridge serves as a railroad bridge used by the metro line 6. Pont de Bir-Hakeim Completed in 1905, this bridge connects the 15th and 16th arrondissements via the Île des Cygnes (Swan Island). A viaduct on the bridge serves as a railroad for the metro line 6. The bridge is decorated with four large sculptures with allegorical figures. Originally named Viaduc de Passy, it was renamed in 1949 after the Battle of Bir-Hakeim. Pont de Grenelle The Pont de Grenelle is a bland modern steel bridge built in 1966. The bridge passes along the southern tip of the Île des Cygnes (Swan Island) where you find a replica of the Statue of Liberty. The 9 meter high statue was given as a present from the United States, who had earlier received the original Statue of Liberty as a gift from France. Pont de l'Alma The bridge takes its name from the battle of Alma, where the French defeated the Russian army. It was the first war in which the Zouaves took part.

Hence the statue of the Zouave at the bridge. The statue was used to measure the height of the water; in 1910 it reached the Zouave's beard. Pont de l'Archevêché This narrow three-arched masonry bridge connects the Île de la Cité with the left Bank. Its name (Bridge of the Archbishopric) was derived from an archiepiscopal palace located nearby. The bridge was built in 1828 by engineer Plouard and was often criticized for being too narrow. Plans to widen it were however never realized. Pont de la Concorde The Pont de la Concorde (Bridge of Concord) leads from the Place de la Concorde to the Palais Bourbon , home of the French Parliament's lower house. Already planned in 1725, the bridge was built after much delay, between 1787 and 1791. The width of the bridge was doubled in 1932 to 34m (112ft) to accommodate the increasing traffic.

Pont de la Tournelle The first bridge at the site of the Pont de la Tournelle was built in 1370, connecting the left bank with the Île St. Louis. The current one dates from 1928 and was designed by Pierre and Louis Guidetti. They created an assymetric bridge with on one side a large pillar with a statue of St. Genevieve, patroness of Paris. Pont de Sully The pont de Sully connects the left bank of the Seine with the right bank across the eastern end of the Île St. Louis. Before the current bridge was built in 1876 there were two bridges, one connecting the island with the right bank (the Passerelle Damiette), and one between the island and the left bank (the Passerelle de Constantine). Pont de Tolbiac The five-arched masonry bridge was constructed between 1879 and 1882 by the engineers Bernard and Pérouse after a more ambitious design by Gustave Eiffel was refused.

The bridge - 168 meters long and 20 meters wide - crosses the Seine between the 12th and 13th arrondissements . Pont des Invalides The first bridge at this site was constructed in 1821 but the current bridge was built between 1854 and 1856 as part of the Universal Exposition of 1855. The bridge consists of three arches. The central pillars are decorated with allegorical statues depicting Terrestrial Victory and Naval Victory. Pont du Carrousel The first Pont du Carrousel, made of cast iron and wood, was built in 1831. The current one is much more recent: it was constructed between 1935 and 1939 using reinforced concrete. In 1946 a telescopic lighting system was installed in pylons on each side of the bridge. Pont du Louis-Philippe King Louis-Philippe commissioned the first bridge here in 1833, connecting the right bank with the Île St. Louis. It was burned during the revolution in 1848 but quickly restored.

In 1862 it was replaced with a larger bridge to accommodate the growing traffic volume. Pont Marie The Pont Marie, Paris's oldest bridge after the Pont Neuf was built between 1614 and 1635. It is named after its lead engineer Christophe Marie. Like most bridges at the time the bridge was lined with houses but those were demolished in 1786. The Pont Marie connects the Île St. Louis with the right bank of the Seine river. Pont Mirabeau This three-arched steel bridge was constructed between 1895 and 1897. It is decorated with four large allegorical sculptures representing the city of Paris, Commerce, Navigation and Abundance. The bridge is 173 meters long and 20 meters wide. Its central span measures 93 meters in length. Pont National This Pont National, situated at the eastern edge of Paris, was originally built in 1852-1853. The bridge has five arches resting on stone pillars. In 1944 the bridge's width was doubled in size, but this new section was built with reinforced concrete. As a result the bridge looks different on both sides.

Famous Bridges - Famous Suspension Bridges Famous Bridges Romantic World Destinations Share Famous bridges are found all over the world. Fame doesn’t always come from being the longest or the tallest, and it is not always the newest ones or the greatest engineering marvels that enter into the popular consciousness. Famous bridges the world over encapsulate the epitome of beauty, engineering, and sometimes simple practicality. Famous Bridges & Dams Wolf Creek Dam There has been a London Bridge on the same site for nearly 2,000 years, and it has played part of London history throughout the centuries. A “new” one was destroyed by a storm in 1091. It was rebuilt and destroyed by fire 1136. Another new bridge was built in the twelfth century, and nearly destroyed by fire again in 1666. That one became outdated and a yet another new one was opened in 1831. That one was sold to a Missouri entrepreneur in 1967, dismantled, and reassembled in Lake Havasu , Arizona where it is now a tourist attraction. It is an urban legend that the buyer thought he was purchasing the more picturesque Tower Bridge .

The current London Bridge was built to cross the River Thames in 1973, and it is still an important transportation link for the city. This is one of the famous world bridges that almost everyone in the world knows at least something about. Some of the oldest famous bridges in the world today can be found in Japan. Many of these are stone bridges dating to the Shogunate era of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, such as the lovely Kintai Bridge . Other historic bridges of note include the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy (dating to the fourteenth century) and the Rialto Bridge (1181) over the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. Other famous world bridges that date to the first few hundred years of this millennium include the Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden bridge (1333) in Europe located in Lucerne, Switzerland. A bit more modern are the Pont Neuf , built across the Seine River in Paris in 1607 and the Chain Bridge of Budapest, Hungary that was built in 1849 as the first permanent bridge over the Danube River. Many Americans look to the covered bridges of New Hampshire and other northeastern states for history.

Most of these wooden bridges were built in the mid-nineteenth century. Some famous bridges aren’t manmade at all. The beautiful Rainbow Bridge in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area of southern Utah is one of the most beautiful natural rock formations in the world. Many who visit Lake Powell will see it, and they might even head south to Arizona where they can visit the Glen Canyon Dam. There are a number of famous American bridges that actually are dams, many of which have roadways that allow them to double as bridges for transportation. Chief among these is the Hoover Dam in Nevada and the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State, which is the largest dam in the United States. These days, it is famous suspension bridges that grab the most attention. While the Chain Bridge of Budapest is an older suspension bridge, it is the more modern structures that appear on almost any list of tallest, longest, and most beautiful marvels. Famous suspension bridges in the longest category start with the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge that links Kobe to Honshu Island in Japan. This gargantuan structure is 6,532 feet long.

Topping off the list of the top five are the Xihoumen Bridge in China (5,414 feet), the Halsskov Sprogo Bridge in China (5,328 feet), the Rinyang Bridge also in China (4,888 feet), and the Humber Bridge in England (4,626 feet). Many other famous suspension bridges spent time on the longest list, and remain famous because they are signature landmarks or are remarkable in some other way. One of these is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. At 4,200 feet in length, this lovely span was the world’s longest suspension bridge from 1937 until it was replaced in1964 by the Verrazano Narrows Bridge that connects the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City. Other modern famous world bridges include the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, which, along with the soaring Sydney Opera House , is an integral part of one of the most beautiful and recognizable cityscapes in the world. Others, like the Bridge to Nowhere that was supposed to connect Ketchikan with Gravina Island in Alaska, are more infamous than famous.

Hotels Pont Neuf, Paris Pont Neuf Paradoxically, the Pont Neuf (French for 'New Bridge') is the oldest bridge in Paris. Pont Neuf The Pont Neuf is also Paris's best known bridge and together with the Pont Alexandre III , one of its most beautiful. History At the middle of the sixteenth century, only two bridges crossed the Seine river. Since they were in a bad state and constantly overcrowded, King Henry III decided in 1578 to construct a new bridge. Statue of Henry IV It wasn't until 1607 before the bridge was officially opened by King Henry IV, who named the bridge 'Pont Neuf'. After the his death, an equestrian statue of the King was erected at the center of the bridge, on the Place du Pont Neuf. The bronze statue was knocked over and melted down during the French Revolution, but is was replaced by an exact replica in 1818. Progressive Design For its time, the 232m (761ft) long and 22m (72ft) wide Pont Neuf was a modern bridge with several innovations.

The Pont Neuf was the first bridge in Paris without houses built on it. It was also the first bridge with pavements which made it an immediate hit with the Parisians who used the bridge as a meeting place. Especially the semicircular areas near the pavement were ideal for socializing. Bridge Spans The Pont Neuf actually consists of two different bridge spans, one on each side of the Île de la Cité , where the Place du Pont Neuf connects the two spans. The bridge has a total of twelve arches, with one span of seven arches joining the right bank and another span of five arches connecting Île de la Cité with the left bank. Pont Neuf | bridge, Paris, France | Britannica.com Pont Neuf Tuileries Palace Pont Neuf, oldest existing bridge across the Seine River via the Île de la Cité in Paris , built, with interruptions in the work, from 1578 to 1607. It was designed by Baptiste Du Cerceau and Pierre des Illes, who may have made use of an earlier design by Guillaume Marchand. Pont Neuf over the Seine River, Paris.

David Monniaux For centuries the Pont Neuf, filled with shops and traffic, was the centre of Paris life. Its “long arm” consisted of seven arches from the right bank of the Seine to the western end of the Île de la Cité; its “short arm” comprised five arches from the island to the left bank. The bridge’s foundations were completely rebuilt under Napoleon III , together with the arches of the long arm, which were made elliptical. At the same time, the shops were removed from the roadway. Learn More in these related articles: in Paris (national capital, France): Île de la Cité ...10 streets long and 5 wide. Eight bridges link it to the riverbanks, and a ninth leads to the Île Saint-Louis, the smaller island that lies to the southeast. The westernmost bridge is the Pont Neuf (New Bridge), which was built from 1578 to 1604. Despite its name, it is the oldest of the Paris bridges (others predate it but have been rebuilt). Its sturdiness has become axiomatic:...

in Henry IV style Earlier, in 1599, Henry had given orders that the construction of the Pont Neuf should be recommenced but simplified the original plans by discarding the triumphal arches and rows of little houses that had been projected. The Pont Neuf joins the right and left banks of the Seine and crosses the triangular tip of the Ile de la Cité. At this juncture he planned the Place Dauphine (begun... 2 References found in Britannica Articles Assorted References Henry IV style (in Henry IV style ) Article History Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience. You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources.

At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context. (Internet URLs are the best.) Your contribution may be further edited by our staff, and its publication is subject to our final approval. Unfortunately, our editorial approach may not be able to accommodate all contributions. Submit Thank You for Your Contribution! Our editors will review what you've submitted, and if it meets our criteria, we'll add it to the article. Please note that our editors may make some formatting changes or correct spelling or grammatical errors, and may also contact you if any clarifications are needed. Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later. Close Date Published: July 14, 2008 URL: Access Date: January 01, 2017 Share 10 Most Beautiful Stone Bridges In The World - 10 Most Today 10 Most Beautiful Stone Bridges In The World Engineering & Architecture We already composed many lists dedicated to bridges: the tallest bridges (and highest ), longest bridges , scariest , movable bridges or most famous bridges . It’s about time to dedicate a post solely to stone bridges.

These bridges are all centuries old and stood the test of time. We chose the 10 we think are most beautiful and impressive, but of course you can add others in the comments area 1. Puente Nuevo, Ronda, Spain – The Puente Nuevo or “new bridge” is not that new: it was built during the years 1751-1793 and iIt crosses the Guadalevín river in the 120 meters (390 ft) deep El Tajo gorge. The long construction claimed the life of 50 workers. The bridge includes a small chamber under the central arch that during the years was used for different purposes including a prison, and during the civil war of the 20th century the chamber was used for torture and prisoners were even thrown to their deaths. Despite the grim history, it’s hard to ignore the beauty of this bridge that is carved into the two sides of the gorge Most Beautiful Stone Bridges In The World: Puente Nuevo, Ronda, Spain 2. Bastei Bridge, Saxon Switzerland National Park , Germany – The Bastei Bridge we see today is a sandstone bridge built in 1851.

It replaced the wooden bridge that was built in 1824. The bridge is 76.5 meters long (350 ft), has 7 arches and spans a depth of 40 meters (131 ft) Most Beautiful Stone Bridges In The World: Bastei Bridge, Germany 3. Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy – The oldest of four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. It was completed in 1591, replacing a wooden bridge that collapsed in 1524. The beautiful old bridge is one of the icons of Venice and one of its best attractions , and is always packed with excited tourists Most Beautiful Stone Bridges In The World: Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy 4. Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy – The “old bridge” is a medieval stone arch bridge, famous for still having shops built along it as was once common. It is the only bridge in Florence to survive the second world war. In the past the shops were owned by butchers but today the shops are mostly owned by souvenir sellers as well as art dealers and jewelers.

The bridge is one of the most famous attractions in Florence Most Beautiful Stone Bridges In The World: Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy 5. Khaju Bridge, Isfahan, Iran – Built in the 17th century, this beautiful stone bridge that crosses the Zayandeh River also serves as a dam. Khaju Bridge has 24 arches and has a total length of 133 meters (436 ft) Most Beautiful Stone Bridges In The World: Khaju Bridge, Isfahan, Iran 6. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic – A world famous bridge that crosses the Vltava river . The stone Gothic bridge construction began in 1357 and ended only in the beginning of the 15th century. As it was the only means of crossing the Vltava river, the Charles Bridge was the most important connection between the Old Town and the area around Prague Castle. Today it is one of the most visited sights in Prague, and as you might expect, the areas around and on the bridge itself are always filled with painters, kiosks owners and other traders as well as pickpockets – beware!

Most Beautiful Stone Bridges In The World: Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic 7. Pont Neuf, Paris, France – The Pont Neuf or “new bridge” is the oldest standing bridge that crosses the river Seine in Paris . It connects the two banks of the Seine with the Île de la Cité – the island in the middle of the river. The beautiful 232 metres (761 ft) long bridge is an arch stone bridge composed of 12 spans – 5 on one side of the island and 7 on the other side. The bridge was built during the years 1578-1607 Most Beautiful Stone Bridges In The World: Pont Neuf, Paris, France 8. Stari Most, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina – The Stari Most is an arch stone bridge that crosses the Neretva river. The 29 meters (95 ft) long bridge is a reconstruction of the original bridge that stood for 427 years from 1566 till 1993, when it was destroyed in the Croat – Bosniak War.

The reconstruction of the bridge was completed in 2004 Most Beautiful Stone Bridges In The World: Stari Most, Bosnia and Herzegovina 9. Puente de Piedra, Zaragoza, Spain – The Puente de Piedra (Spanish for “stone bridge”) crosses the Ebro rover in the city of Zaragoza. The bridge was built during the years 1401-1440, but it was partially destroyed in a flood in 1643. A reconstruction was done in 1659. The bridge is also known as the Bridge of Lions because of the lion statues that stand on pillars on the two sides of the bridge Most Beautiful Stone Bridges In The World: Puente de Piedra, Zaragoza, Spain 10. Konitsa Bridge, Konitsa, Greece – This unique bridge was built in 1870.

It has a max height of 20 meters (65 ft) and it crosses the Aoos river Most Beautiful Stone Bridges In The World: Konitsa Bridge, Greece Pont Neuf in Paris, France - Lonely Planet © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap contributors Paris’ oldest bridge, ironically named 'New Bridge', has linked the western end of Île de la Cité with both riverbanks since 1607, when the king, Henri IV, inaugurated it by crossing the bridge on a white stallion. View the bridge’s arches (seven on the northern stretch and five on the southern span), decorated with 381 mascarons (grotesque figures) depicting barbers, dentists, pickpockets, loiterers etc, from a spot along the river or afloat. The inaugural crossing is commemorated by an equestrian statue of Henri IV, known to his subjects as the Vert Galant (‘jolly rogue’ or ‘dirty old man’, perspective depending). Pont Neuf and nearby place Dauphine were used for public exhibitions in the 18th century.

In the last century the bridge became an objet d’art in 1963, when School of Paris artist Nonda built, exhibited and lived in a huge Trojan horse of steel and wood on the bridge; in 1985 when Bulgarian-born ‘environmental sculptor’ Christo famously wrapped the bridge in beige fabric; and in 1994 when Japanese designer Kenzo covered it with flowers. Pont Neuf, Paris, France, 8965 insider tips, photos, reviews & tickets Ile de la Cité Walking tour with Typical French Lunch and a Boat cruise "The First Part: Walking on the Island of La Cité (Duration: up to 15 hours)The tour starts from the Metro station Pont Neuf where you will get to see the oldest bridge of Paris receiving the name of ""New Bridge"" and the statue of Henri IV - an old charmer - inviting you for a walk. You will see the Dauphin square filled with history of love mysteries of Templars and grape vines growing there once.

You will see the Palace of Justice which guards the Laws of France and remembers Napoleon Bonaparte pass by the cruel Conciergerie the ancient royal residence in Paris turned into a prison at times of the French revolution then you way will lead you by the Clock Tower Paris Illuminations Night Tour "Watch Paris sparkle as the sun sets and day turns to night on this 1.5-hour illuminations tour. Learn about the sights as you cruise down Paris’ tree-lined boulevards past animated cafes historic attractions monuments and squares. Ride through Place Vendôme and Opéra and down Rue de Rivoli to the Louvre. View Hôtel de Ville Place de la Concorde Notre Dame and the Grand Palais and Petit Palais and cross Pont Neuf to St-Germain-des-Près. Travel down the Champs-Elysées to l’Arc de Triomphe and loop back to Trocadéro for a stunning view of the glittering Eiffel Tower. Then pass Les Invalides Paris Express City Tour "Places you can see include: Place de l'Opera Place de la Concorde Champs-Elysees Arc de Triumph Place du Trocadero Eiffel Tower (photo stop) Invalides

Question: Which famous bridge, built in 1607, is the oldest bridge in Paris?
Answer: Pont Neuf